The Course

Within the next 20 years, China will move 300 million people--similar in number to the entire U.S. population--from rural to urban areas. The massive and rapid urbanization poses tremendous challenges to environment and sustainability but also offers great opportunities for industrial restructuring and economic development. This process is accompanied with the transition from a centrally controlled to a market-oriented economy. This course exposes students to diverse issues under this context, such as urban renewal, motorization, land-use planning, public finance in infrastructure, housing reform, real estate development, property rights, economic development zones, environmental protection, alternative energy, social welfare, etc. The twelve-day course will be held at NYU Shanghai, and combines classroom lectures, local guest speakers, visits to local organizations, and field trips in Shanghai and nearby towns and villages.

Excursions

As part of the course students will take half-day study visits to organizations and institutions working in urban renewal, economic development and environment. The course will also include excursions and visits to local markets and attractions in Shanghai.

Participants will visit:

Factories and immigrant clusters in Shanghai

Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone

The World Expo Pavilions

XintianDi New Development, a car-free shopping, eating and entertainment district

Suzhou ("Venice of the East") for a day trip

Program Costs

Tuition: $4,500 (approx.), plus registration and support fees. Click here for more information.)

Non-refundable program and activities fee (includes housing and several meals): $1,100. This fee will be due upon acceptance in the course.

Accommodation and Logistics

Participants typically stay at NYU Shanghai student residence building, Yifulou Hotel, or the Foreign Experts' Building, located at East China Normal University (ECNU). Students should be aware that rooms require double-occupancy. Students also have access to the NYU Shanghai computer lab. The program fee includes lodging costs, an opening dinner and lunch, and a closing dinner. Students will be responsible for the remaining meals. There are many dining and shopping options within a short walking distance to NYU Shanghai.

Travel Information

Flight: Participants must book and pay for their own flights, and should do so as early as possible. Most major airlines fly to Shanghai.

Passport: All program participants are required to have a valid passport, which must be valid for up to 6 months after course date, not before.

Visa: NYU students will receive information from NYU's Office of Global Services (OGS) and NYU Shanghai regarding appropriate visa type. Students will follow NYU OGS guidelines and process for securing a visa. The earliest you can apply for a Chinese visa is 90 days prior to the beginning of your program. Typically an X2 (short-term student) visa is appropriate for non-Chinese nationals but NYU OGS will inform students. Students are reminded to check their visa to detemine whether it is says "single" or "multiple" entry and must follow the regulations regarding entry. Typically only single entry visa is granted. The decision as to whether you will get one entry or multiple entries is solely up to the consulate officer issuing the visa. The staff at NYU OGS and NYU Shanghai have no control or influence in this decision. NYU OGS will provide guidelines Students may read background information at the Consulate page here.

Registration and Information

All students must complete the Request for Registration online form on the right side of this page.

Upper-level undergraduate students seeking to take the course for credit must first gain approval from their advisor and then contact wagner.international@nyu.edu for registration procedures.